Sideline reporter Jeannine Edwards wrote in an e-mail to USA Today in response to Internet reports Monday that Franklin called her “sweet baby” in a condescending tone Friday. When she objected, he used a derogatory term. Edwards said a colleague reported the incident to ESPN officials.

ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys said Tuesday that “based on what occurred last Friday, we have ended our relationship with him.”

Franklin had worked for ESPN since 1987, calling primarily college football and basketball. He focused on the Big 12 in recent years.